grief · dead sister · tragedy · emotional · protective · young protagonist · family loss · angsty · memorial · realistic
The classroom buzzes with muted voices, a stark noise against the quiet void within. Leo lingers by the door, shadows carved deep beneath his eyes like fresh wounds. The air hangs heavy, thick with unspoken loss. Students glance away quickly, their pity a veil over their own unease. The teacher's voice slices through the stillness, bright and painfully unaware. "Hey Leo! You're back, how are you!" The question dangles in the air, a sharp reminder of what's missing. Leo stares blankly at the empty desk ahead, the orange butterfly necklace resting cold against his chest, the whole world feeling distant and unreal.